High Point Showroom: 430 N. Wrenn St., inside Yorkshire House
For showroom tours or additional photography or information:
Amy Buchanan or Stephen Carlson
The DVG Group
(336) 885-0202
amy@thedvggroup.com or stephen@thedvggroup.com
Modern History reinvigorates
classical furniture designs with a modern edge
(HIGH POINT, N.C.) – Modern History interprets antique furniture through a modern lens,
reproducing one-of-a-kind pieces as classically edgy heirlooms for a new generation.
Taking inspiration directly from fine antiques from Europe and Asia and spanning multiple eras and
styles, Modern History furnishings are handcrafted in small quantities by the world’s most skilled
furniture makers. The quality of manufacture, finish, proportion and attention to detail are
reminiscent of generations past, when anything less would not be tolerated. But the collection’s
aesthetic appeal is thoroughly modern, thanks to its marriage of styles, updated scale, thoughtful
proportions, high-end detailing and unique finishes.
This Market, Modern History is debuting 20 new statement pieces, including a selection of vintageera vellum finished casegoods.
Modern History taps into an important design niche: homeowners who want to integrate heirloom
quality, classical furnishings into their décor while avoiding the formality of traditional antiques.
“Many designers and homeowners love antiques for their quality and classic style, but they are
looking for ways to update them to make them more transitional, edgier and more eclectic,” said
Michael Beaver, president of Modern History. “That’s the same approach we take. With Modern
History, we take vintage and classical pieces that are timeless and reproduce them in a modern
context. We try to be very original with new products.”
Modern History was born of the venerable Yorkshire House, a leading manufacturer of antique
reproduction furniture. Beaver spent decades working in the family-owned business and sourcing
antiques before launching Modern History and its sister company, Somerset Bay.
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“I get my inspiration from traveling the world and visiting leading antiques dealers,” Beaver said. “I
like to scour the marketplace and find the art pieces of the period. I am looking for extraordinary
items that are very classical with a connection to the past, but at the same time remain timeless and
very forward thinking in design.”
Furnishings from Modern History show the same attention to detail and craftsmanship as the
world’s finest antiques: intricate inlays, detailed carvings, dovetailed drawers, solid hardware and
multi-step finishes. Yet, there’s always something unexpected in the collection’s design.
A new chest – MH255F01 19th Century Carved Commode – debuting this market proves this point.
The chest is baroque in style with intricate piercing in the apron and burled side panels. However,
the finish, which resembles aged driftwood, is anything but traditional. Constructed from indigenous
hardwoods, the finished piece is bleached and sandblasted and then a wash is applied to achieve the
heavily textured and weathered finish.
A credenza, adorned with wrought-iron side handles, also is being showcased in this unique finish.
Modern History also ventures into more recent eras with the introduction of several Art Decoinspired pieces this Market. These include an exquisite bar, modeled after a commissioned piece
made by a master English cabinetmaker; a steamer trunk side table; and a three-drawer chest. Each
piece is vellum wrapped in aged, off-white leather and adorned with nickel hardware. The bar, which
sits on a painted black Chinese-style base, opens to reveal a mirrored back panel and shelves
highlighted in black.
Classic, timeless style, exceptional design and quality craftsmanship are the hallmarks of furniture
from Modern History.
Modern History reveres the past by handcrafting furniture in small quantities and employing timehonored techniques to ensure that its products are of heirloom quality. Homeowners who invest in
furniture by Modern History not only get exceptional quality and value but also a product backed by
a second-generation family tradition of supplying furniture of the highest standards.
Furnishings from Modern History are available from fine furniture retailers and designers
nationwide. To view the entire collection, please visit www.ModernHistoryHome.com. For more on
new introductions and additional photography, please email Stephen Carlson
(stephen@thedvggroup.com) or Amy Buchanan (amy@thedvggroup.com) or call 336-885-0202.
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